Departmental Furniture

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) chairs,  (b) desks and  (c) other office furnishings have been purchased by her Department and its agencies in each of the last five years; and at what cost in each case.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested is not held centrally. It has been estimated that, due to the broad scope of this question and the decentralised and devolved structure of the Department, to obtain it would incur disproportionate costs. However, the information that is available is set out in the table below. This does not include in all cases information on specific categories of purchase as this is not recorded centrally.
	The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has replaced approximately 1,450 workstations per year over the last three years (April 2005 - March 2008) as part of a rolling refurbishment programme of the main headquarters site in Swansea. Each workstation includes a desk, chair, three draw pedestal, back screen and monitor arm. Cost information is commercially confidential.
	Records of furniture purchased by the DVLA prior to this are not available.
	Data for the following Department for Transport organisational units is not available in the requested format and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost:
	DfT Central:
	London Headquarters buildings,
	Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
	Executive Agency:
	Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
	Vehicle Certification Agency and
	
		
			  £ 
			 DfT Central  Executive Agency 
			 Ashdown House, Hastings  Air Accidents Investigations Branch  Rail  A ccident  I nvestigation  B ranch (see note 1 )  Driving Standards Agency  Government Car and Despatch Agency  Highways Agency 
			  2003-04 a) Chairs Quantity 2 — — — — — 
			   Cost 390 — — — — — 
			  b) Desks Quantity 0 — — — — — 
			   Cost 0 — — — — — 
			  c) Other Quantity 0 — — — — — 
			   Cost 0 — — — — — 
			  Total Quantity 2 — — — — — 
			   Cost 390 9,391 — 63,000 8,388 65,630 
			  
			  2004-05 a) Chairs Quantity 20 — 121 — — — 
			   Cost 10,700 — 14,844 — — — 
			  b) Desks Quantity 210 — 37 — — — 
			   Cost 61,000 — 12,716 — — — 
			  c) Other Quantity 315 — 255 — — — 
			   Cost 54,300 — 26,969 — — — 
			  Total Quantity 545 — 413 — — — 
			   Cost 126,000 25,795 54,529 86,000 10,968 274,176 
			  
			  2005-06 a) Chairs Quantity 20 — 39 — — — 
			   Cost 3,900 — 3,497 — — — 
			  b) Desks Quantity 0 — 0 — — — 
			   Cost 0 — 0 — — — 
			  c) Other Quantity 0 — 218 — — — 
			   Cost 0 — 33,888 — — — 
			  Total Quantity 20 — 257 — — — 
			   Cost 3,900 41,952 37,385 48,000 7,141 124,252 
			  
			  2006-07 a) Chairs Quantity 77 — 3 — — — 
			   Cost 15,600 — 452 — — — 
			  b) Desks Quantity 0 — 0 — — — 
			   Cost 0 — 0 — — — 
			  c) Other Quantity 0 — 34 — — — 
			   Cost 0 — 2,417 — — — 
			  Total Quantity 77 — 37 — — — 
			   Cost 15,600 55,924 2,869 112,000 10,660 2,405,660 
			  
			  2007-08 a) Chairs Quantity 8 — 23 — — — 
			   Cost 2,100 — 4,789 — — — 
			  b) Desks Quantity 0 — 3 — — — 
			   Cost 0 — 1,198 — — — 
			  c) Other Quantity 0 — 72 — — — 
			   Cost 0 — 7,792 — — — 
			  Total Quantity 8 — 98 — — — 
			   Cost 2,100 27,117 13,779 375,000 12,199 366,412 
			  Note: 1. Rail Accident Investigation Branch became operational on 17 October 2005.

Driving Tests

Robert Goodwill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many driving test centres the Driving Standards Agency plans to operate in addition to the planned multi-purpose test centres.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 19 June 2008
	 Currently the Driving Standards Agency plans to operate a national network of 277 centres offering practical driving tests for car, lorry and bus drivers in addition to 66 Multi Purpose Test Centres. A further 41 casual hire sites, mainly in Scotland, will also be operational.
	These plans will be kept under review and are subject to change depending on the business needs of the agency delivering a cost effective and efficient service to the public.

Driving Tests: Southend

James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many car and motorcycle tests were conducted at the Southend Driving Test Centre in each of the last 10 years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The number of practical car and motorcycling tests conducted at the Southend driving test centre in each of the last 10 years is shown in the following table:
	
		
			   Car  Motorcycling  Total 
			 1998-99 7,687 479 8,166 
			 1999-2000 6,620 697 1,359 
			 2000-01 6,477 518 6,995 
			 2001-02 6,314 355 6,669 
			 2002-03 7,284 453 7,737 
			 2003-04 7,780 571 8,351 
			 2004-05 8,756 390 9,146 
			 2005-06 9,687 392 10,079 
			 2006-07 9,231 431 9,662 
			 2007-08 9,045 393 9,438

Driving Tests: Southend

James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff are employed at the Southend Driving Test Centre; and how many positions will be available for these staff if the centre is co-located with the Multi-Purpose Test Centre in Basildon.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) employs seven driving examiners at the Southend driving test centre.
	DSA will offer the driving examiners employed at Southend driving test centre the opportunity to take part in a preference exercise for alternative posts prior to any potential redeployment.
	If the centre is co-located to the Multi-Purpose Test Centre in Basildon, positions would be available for all the driving examiners currently employed at Southend.

Driving Tests: Southend

James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the feasibility of Southend Driving Test Centre being used for car driving tests only.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is currently reviewing the responses received to the recent consultation on the future of Southend driving test centre before a decision is made.

Driving Tests: Southend

James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether any steps have been taken by the Driving Standards Agency to identify a site in Southend that is suitable for motorcycle tests compliant with European Community Directive 2000/56/EC.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) initially focused its search for a suitable site for a multi-purpose test centre on the Chelmsford area. Following poor availability of suitable sites in Chelmsford the search area was widened to include Basildon.
	The search areas used are intended to bring the widest possible population coverage within DSA's criterion that most motorcycle customers should be within 20 miles or 45 minutes of a multi-purpose test centre.
	Owing to operational concerns over the potential redevelopment of the area around the existing Southend driving test centre, Southend was not considered as a specific search area for the location of a multi purpose test centre.

Driving Tests: Standards

James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Driving Standards Agency plans to review its code of practice with regard to guidance on  (a) population density and  (b) proximity to a driving test centre.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) currently has no plans to review its "Code of Practice on Written Consultations—Driving Test Centres."
	Ministers have agreed the code of practice when it was revised in July 2005. This code of practice is available on the DSA website at:
	http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Consultation.asp?id=SXBAF2-A7825C59&cat=418

Motorcycles: Driving Tests

Robert Goodwill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many multi-purpose test centres (MPTCs) she estimates will be operational for motorcycle driving tests on 29 September 2008; and what estimate she has made of the greatest distance a candidate will have to travel to access a MPTC in  (a) England,  (b) Wales and  (c) Scotland on that date.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 19 June 2008
	The Driving Standards Agency estimates that 39 Multi Purpose Test Centres (MPTCs) will be operational by 29 September 2008. There will also be up to 12 part time motorcycle test centres to support these MPTCs.
	These provisions will ensure that around 75 per cent. of motorcycle test candidates will be within 45 minutes or 20 miles of a motorcycle testing facility. In addition, around 93 per cent. of the population will be within 60 minutes of an MPTC and 98 per cent. within 90 minutes.
	No estimate has been made of the longest distance a candidate will have to travel.

Transport: Greater Manchester

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport at what time, on what date, in what form and by whom information on the matters covered in her Statement of 9 June 2008,  Official Report, columns 22-34, on transport (Greater Manchester), was made available to  (a) The Times,  (b) the Daily Telegraph and  (c) the Financial Times; and whether she authorised the releases of the information.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 12 June 2008
	Information relating to the matters covered in the Secretary of State's Statement on 9 June 2008 on transport in Greater Manchester was made available to all media in the form of a press release, issued by the Department for Transport's Communication Directorate at 3.48 p.m on 9 June.
	No information relating to the matters covered in that Statement was made available to The Times, The Daily Telegraph or The Financial Times by the Department in advance of the Statement being made by the Secretary of State.

Child Trust Fund: Gwent

Don Touhig: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many children were eligible for child trust fund vouchers in Islwyn constituency in  (a) 2006-07 and  (b) 2007-08;
	(2)  what percentage of eligible children in households in Islwyn constituency have  (a) received child trust fund vouchers and  (b) had child trust accounts opened for them.

Kitty Ussher: Constituency and regional data on Child Trust Fund accounts was published on 24 October 2007 and can be viewed on the HM Revenue and Customs' website at:
	www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/stats.htm

National Insurance Contributions: Earnings Limits

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the merits of alignment of the upper earnings limit for National Insurance contributions with the higher rate threshold for income tax; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will estimate the value in terms of reduced costs to  (a) business and  (b) HM Revenue and Customs of alignment of the upper earnings limit for national insurance contributions with the higher rate threshold for income tax.

Chris Grayling: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the alignment of national insurance and tax thresholds; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The Government remain committed to bringing the income tax and the national insurance contributions (NICs) systems closer together. The overall aim is to improve fairness and coherence, to reduce administrative burdens, and to make the two systems easier to understand.
	There has already been progress in aligning tax and NICs in terms of a simplified structure of employers' NICs: replacing multiple rates with a single rate and abolishing the entry fee. With just two main rates of income tax and two main rates of national insurance in this tax year, the UK's personal tax system is already one of the simplest personal tax structures of any developed country.
	Nevertheless, the Government are continuing to look at the scope for further alignment of tax and NICs taking into account the changes made on 13 May, in future pre-Budget and Budget reports.

Armed Forces: Housing

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many complaints were made to Modern Housing Solutions about service accommodation in each month since January 2008;
	(2)  how many complaints Modern Housing Solutions have received in each month since January 2008.

Derek Twigg: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 June 2008,  Official Report, column 1015-16W to the hon. member for North Devon (Nick Harvey).
	The answer also corrects the figures in my response of 14 January 2008,  Official Report, column 876-77W for the period of May to December 2007.

Armed Forces: Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Westbury of 1 April 2008,  Official Report, column 768W, on armed forces: influenza, what quantity of  (a) vaccines and  (b) antivirals are held by his Department for use by the armed forces for the treatment of seasonal influenza; where these stocks are held; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: The Defence Medical Services operate in accordance with the guidance issued by the Dept of Health and the Health Protection Agency (which issues annual advice on the prescription of anti-virals). For the treatment of seasonal influenza, Defence Medical Services obtain vaccines and anti-virals as required, through the UK Departments of Health (DH). Stocks will be held locally at unit medical centres and other medical facilities, and quantities will vary according to clinical requirement and day-to-day usage. Vaccinations and anti-virals are prescribed for individuals by medical staff according to clinical need, following national guidance issued by the DH.
	It would not be practical to "stockpile" vaccines against seasonal influenza, since antigenic drifts (minor changes) of influenza viruses lead to the emergence of new viral strains every year. These minor changes cause seasonal influenza and explain why reformulation of the influenza vaccine is required every year.

Armed Forces: Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Westbury of 3 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 127-8W, on the armed forces: influenza, how many antiviral courses are available to the armed forces to meet future operational demands; how many antiviral courses are held  (a) in the UK and  (b) overseas; in which countries the antiviral courses are held overseas; how many antiviral courses are held in each country; whether these antivirals are available for use by armed forces in the event of (i) seasonal and (ii) pandemic influenza; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Westbury of 3 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 1207-8W, on the armed forces: influenza, what total quantity of antiviral courses is held in  (a) Iraq and  (b) Afghanistan for use by the armed forces; what proportion of the total number of antiviral courses held in (i) Iraq and (ii) Afghanistan is allocated for the treatment of (A) pandemic influenza and (B) seasonal influenza; how many antivirals are held in other countries; in which countries they are held; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  pursuant to the answer of 3 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1208W, on armed forces: influenza, to which overseas bases the antiviral courses were distributed.

Derek Twigg: Around 17,500 courses of pandemic influenza anti-virals earmarked for future operational demands are held in the UK by the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency (DSDA) on behalf of the Defence Equipment and Support organisation. PJHQ will authorise distribution of the appropriate quantities to operational theatres as required.
	In accordance with Defence Medical Services guidance, 10 anti-viral courses have been pre-positioned in medical facilities overseas; five courses in the Role 2 (Enhanced) field hospital unit at Basra in Iraq and five in the one at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.
	A further 18,000 antiviral courses for use in the event of an outbreak of pandemic influenza have been distributed to overseas locations where MOD personnel and their dependents are based. The quantities have been calculated in accordance with Department of Health guidance, and stockholdings are kept under regular review.
	For seasonal influenza, guidance is that only "at risk" patients will be treated, and anti-virals will be obtained through the normal supply chain in accordance with clinical requirement. Pre-deployment medical standards mean that such individuals would not be allowed to deploy on operations.

Armed Forces: Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Westbury of 7 January 2008,  Official Report, column 24W, on the armed forces: influenza, what assessment he has made of the speed at which the stockpile of antivirals held at Permanent Joint Headquarters may be deployed to theatre in the event of an influenza pandemic; how many face masks are held in  (a) Afghanistan,  (b) Iraq and  (c) other theatres; what other appropriate preventative measures he is considering; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: As stated in my answer to the hon. Member for Westbury (Dr. Murrison) of 3 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1207W, around 17,500 courses of influenza antivirals earmarked for future operational demands are held in the UK by the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency (DSDA) on behalf of the Defence Equipment and Support organisation. PJHQ will authorise distribution of the appropriate quantities to operational theatres as required. As with any logistic supplies, if the requirement is urgent antivirals can be deployed rapidly to theatre in accordance with well-established procedures.
	Face masks are a standard item of clinical equipment, and have a wide range of medical uses. Stocks sufficient for all requirements are held in field hospitals and other medical units in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. Precise holdings will fluctuate on a daily basis, being replenished through the standard logistics chain as required.
	Specific guidance on infection control in the event of an outbreak of pandemic influenza has been promulgated to all Defence Medical Services personnel and military commanders. This covers all appropriate medical procedures including hygiene, patient placement, and waste disposal, and includes specialised guidance on procedures in operational settings.

Armed Forces: Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Westbury of 3 April,  Official Report, column 1207-08W, on armed forces; influenza, whether the stockpile of A/H5N1 vaccines for use by the armed forces in the event of an influenza pandemic is held in the UK.

Derek Twigg: The A/H5N1 vaccine stockpile is held in the UK by the Department of Health, which includes a ring-fenced allocation held on behalf of the MOD, and in the event of an outbreak will be deployed by MOD in accordance with DH guidelines and MOD need.

Armed Forces: Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Westbury of 1 April 2008,  Official Report, column 786W, on armed forces: influenza, for which categories of armed forces personnel plans have been drawn up for the prophylactic use of antivirals; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: In the event of a threatened influenza pandemic, antivirals for prophylactic purposes may be prescribed for certain categories of key workers (such as military medical staff) in accordance with guidance issued by the UK Department of Health and MOD's Surgeon General. Their use will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature and location of the outbreak.

Departmental Buildings

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value of the property held by  (a) his Department and  (b) associated public bodies was at the most recent date for which figures are available.

Derek Twigg: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 May 2008,  Official Report, column 1310W to the hon. Member for Westbury (Dr. Murrison). The National Asset Register includes Executive Non Departmental Public Bodies, Trading Funds and the Oil and Pipeline Agency and those assets used by the reserve forces and cadets association which are owned by the Ministry of Defence.

Animal Experiments: Primates

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which overseas primate supply or breeding facilities which export primates to the UK for the purposes of scientific research her Department has  (a) inspected and approved and  (b) not inspected in the last two years; what country each is in; and if she will make a statement.

Meg Hillier: 10 overseas centres are currently accepted to supply non-human primates to designated user establishments in the United Kingdom. Of these, four, in China, Vietnam and the Netherlands have been visited by Home Office inspectors since June 2006. The remaining centres in the Netherlands, Israel, Mauritius and the United States of America have not been visited in that period.
	The acceptability of an overseas centre supplying non-human primates to UK designated establishments is reviewed at least once every two years. This biennial review takes into consideration all available information including full details of the breeding centre, submitted to the Home Office on a standard pro-forma, responses to specific questions on current care and accommodation, routine reports submitted by users following receipt of each consignment of animals and, where possible, informal reports from users who have visited the centre.
	Normally, centres will be visited every two to four years depending on the findings from the previous visit, the need to reassess on site and whether animals are being supplied from the site. Visits by the Inspectorate are risk based, depending on the need to monitor standards of husbandry and care or progress of improvements.

Olympic Games 2012: Kettering

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what assessment she has made of the potential for Kettering constituency to become involved in the 2012 Olympic Games; and if she will make a statement.

Tessa Jowell: The Government and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) are working hard to ensure that the benefits of 2012 reach across the UK and have established a Nations and Regions Group (NRG) to oversee this work chaired by Charles Allen. Kettering's involvement in the Games is represented through the Northamptonshire 2012 Steering Group. Northamptonshire is one of five county-level groups established by the County Sports Partnership across the region to maximise the benefits of 2012.
	The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and LOCOG expect to directly procure £6 billion worth of contracts. In January, the Olympic Family launched the London 2012 Business Network, helping businesses across the UK to access these contracts. CompeteFor is a key component of the Business Network, as it enables businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, across the UK to access contracts from the ODA and LOCOG supply chains. The ODA has already awarded 27 contracts to companies registered in the east midlands. Businesses in every constituency, including Kettering should be encouraged to sign up and get support via the London 2012 website:
	http://www.london2012.com/business
	to compete for and win contracts.
	Additionally, one facility from Kettering—Kettering Leisure Village—offering three sports/disciplines is to be included in the official London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.
	I also understand there are plans to hold the 2008 Northamptonshire Cultural Olympiad festival (working title) in Kettering on 24 August. This will be held at Wicksteed Park— plans include live coverage of the Beijing closing ceremony and handover as well as a number of sports, arts and cultural events.

Prospects Project

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the objectives of the Prospects Project were; and if he will make a statement on its progress.

David Hanson: The Prospects programme was designed to reduce crime in local communities by assisting offenders with a history of drug taking to lead law abiding lives. It offered such offenders a 12-16 week residential place with comprehensive services and support followed by identification of suitable accommodation where support was provided for up to six months in the community. It was originally aimed at drug using offenders serving short prison sentences who became abstinent in custody and entered into voluntary support on release to the programme.
	The numbers of offenders dealt with by the programme were not as high as expected and following a commercial review it was considered that the costs of the programme outweighed the benefits being realised. This view was supported by independent evaluation. I consequently agreed to the closure of the programme on the 7 January 2008 Members of Parliament for the respective constituencies in which the hostels are located have been informed.

Departmental Trade Unions

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which trades unions represent members of staff in  (a) his Department and  (b) its agency.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The trade unions representing staff in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are the Public and Commercial Services Union, and the First Division Association. In the Royal Parks, the trade unions are the Public and Commercial Services Union and Prospect.

Listed Buildings

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many  (a) Grade I,  (b) Grade II and  (c) Grade III listed buildings are located in (i) Ribble Valley constituency, (ii) Lancashire and (iii) England.

Margaret Hodge: According to English Heritage, the number of listings in each grade in England, Lancashire and Ribble Valley is as follows:
	
		
			  Grade  England  Lancashire  Ribble Valley 
			 I 9,152 71 20 
			 II(*) 21,145 270 51 
			 II 342,217 5,094 890 
			 Total 372,514 5,435 961 
		
	
	Information is held on the number of listings, rather than the number of buildings, as a listing may include groups of buildings. Information is not held on Grade III listed buildings as the classification was rendered obsolete in 1970. To clarify, the grades are defined as follows:
	Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest;
	Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest;
	Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.

Tourism: Leeds

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department allocated to tourism in the Leeds Metropolitan District in each year since 2005.

Margaret Hodge: Central Government funding for the English regions (including the Leeds metropolitan district) is administered by the regional development agencies but is not ring-fenced for particular economic sectors, such as tourism. Since 2005 the DCMS has contributed £3.6 million to DBERR's Single Programme budget (the "Single Pot") in respect of the tourism responsibilities of the eight agencies outside London; and £1.9 million in support of the statutory tourism duties of the Greater London Authority.
	The regional development agencies themselves spent £52.0 million in 2005-06; £51.8 million in 2006-07; and £43.5 million in 2007-08 on tourism support.

Tourism: Marketing

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department spent on marketing and promoting tourism in each of the last five years.

Margaret Hodge: DCMS funding for VisitBritain is all spent on the marketing of Britain overseas, and of England within Britain and Europe. The budget for the last five years (in £ million) was:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Total  Overseas budget  Domestic budget 
			 2003-04 47.9 35.5 12.4 
			 2004-05 48.4 35.5 12.9 
			 2005-06 48.9 35.5 13.4 
			 2006-07 49.9 35.5 14.4 
			 2007-08 49.9 35.5 14.4 
		
	
	DCMS also provided £3.6 million in each of these years to the eight regional development agencies outside of London, and £1.9 million for each of these years to the London Development Agency, for the support of tourism.
	All of the DCMS funding for the London Development Agency is spent on the tourism marketing of the capital, and the promotion of its role as a gateway to the rest of the UK. It is for the regional development agencies outside London to decide on how best to use DCMS funding to support tourism in their regions. In 2007-08, all the agencies spent a total £43.5 million on supporting tourism.

Departmental Manpower

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many and what proportion of his Department's employees are  (a) male,  (b) female,  (c) from an ethnic minority,  (d) disabled and  (e) not heterosexual; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: In my Department, the breakdown of staff is as follows:
	 (a) 434 male (49.7 per cent. of all staff),
	 (b) 440 female (50.3 per cent. of all staff),
	 (c) 56 declared from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds (6.4 per cent. of all staff),
	297 not known (34.0 per cent.), 16 prefer not to say (1.8 per cent.),
	 (d) 67 have declared a disability (7.7 per cent.), 451 not known (51.6 per cent.), 21 prefer not to say (2.4 per cent.),
	 (e) 66 declared as not heterosexual (7.6 per cent.), 337 not known (38.6 per cent.), 246 prefer not to say (28.1 per cent. ) - this category applies to ex-DFES figures only.
	The percentage proportions are based on a total of 874 staff in DIUS.
	Departmental records on the numbers of BME staff are based on voluntary self declaration on the basis of the categories used in the 2001 census. Records on the numbers of disabled staff are also solely based on voluntary, self-declaration of being a disabled person as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act; and not connected in any way to a formal register of disability.

Olympic Games

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials from his Department plan to attend the Beijing Olympic Games; to what purpose in each case; and what estimate he has made of the cost.

David Lammy: Five Government Ministers will attend the games. The Minister for the Olympics will attend the whole games. The Prime Minister; the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; the Minister for Sport and the Minister for Trade and Investment will each attend a part of the games.
	The number of Government officials attending has not yet been finalised.

Science: Museums and Galleries

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what plans he has to assess the learning impact of science and discovery centres; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: DIUS and DCSF have funded Ecsite-UK as part of a £750,000 package and this funding supported a benchmarking project and grants for consortia of centres to explore new ways of collaborative working with each other to provide inreach and outreach activities to schools, and also included an assessment of available evidence on learning impact, as part of a wider review of all impacts. The impact study element of the project can be viewed online at:
	www.ecsite-uk.net/reports/impact-of-science-discovery-centres.htm
	In response to the recommendations in the Science and Technology Committee's 2007 inquiry into the funding of science and discovery centres, and as subsequently discussed at the Westminster Hall debate on 15 May this year, my Department is currently commissioning independent research to assess the relative impact, effectiveness and value for money of science centres in comparison with other science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) delivery agents. Impact in this context will be measured in terms of effectiveness in delivering the Government's science and society (STEM and public engagement) goals. The procurement process for this work has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. However, the Terms of Reference for this project have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Welsh Language

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the level of demand for the services provided by  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies and non-departmental bodies to be provided in the Welsh language; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: DIUS makes an assessment of the need for provision of services in the Welsh language on a case by case basis. DirectGov, which provides on-line access to Government services and includes information for students in Further Education and Higher Education applying for courses and financial support, is available in Welsh. DIUS agencies and NDPBs also assess the need on a case by case basis.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to those circumstances when Jobseekers Allowance claimants are told they must accept a job, whether the conditions include jobs that are paid by 100 per cent. commission.

James Plaskitt: Jobseeker's Allowance regulations treat all jobs classed as employed earners employment, including those based on 100 per cent commission, in the same way.
	An employment officer, for example, may offer someone who has the relevant sales experience and looking for this type of work, a job based on 100 per cent. commission.
	Where the offer of the job is refused it will be referred to an independent decision maker who will determine whether the jobseeker can demonstrate "good cause" for their decision. Each case is judged on its individual circumstances taking all available evidence into account in reaching the decision.
	Where the decision maker determines the jobseeker has not demonstrated good cause, they may lose entitlement to benefit for between one and 26 weeks.

National Insurance Contributions: Females

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by what means women who opted to pay the married woman's rate of national insurance contributions prior to the abolition of the half test were advised of  (a) its abolition and  (b) the implications of its abolition for their continued election to pay contributions at the reduced rate.

Mike O'Brien: holding answer 16 June 2008
	The abolition of the half test for women reaching state pension age after 5 April 1979 was part of a package to encourage married women to make independent pension arrangements and to revisit their election choice. The main thrust of the early publicity was a national press advertising campaign commissioned by DSS during February and March 1977. The programme was designed to give optimum, cost effective coverage of the main target group, working housewives. In addition, there was extensive editorial news and feature coverage in newspapers, magazines, and on radio and television. According to DSS records the published articles all stressed the importance of married women making decisions on their national insurance contributions position.
	Leaflets, available at local offices, were distributed by DSS. Specifically, Leaflet NP25 entitled "PENSIONS": Britain's great step forward" issued in August 1975 and Leaflet NP31 entitled "New Pensions: a better deal for women" issued in January 1977 drew attention to the abolition of the half test. Leaflet NI1 entitled "National insurance guidance for married women" issued in February 1978 dealt extensively with the implications of election choice and invited women who were proposing to change their choice and were unsure that they would be able to satisfy the contribution conditions for basic pension to consult their local social security office who would usually get their individual contribution record before giving advice.

Poverty: Liverpool

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of measures to tackle worklessness in Liverpool, Riverside constituency; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent assessment he has made of measures to tackle poverty in Liverpool, Riverside constituency.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 19 June 2008
	Work is the best route out of poverty. For example, children in working households are much less likely to be in poverty than those living in households where no one is working. The Government have made considerable progress in tackling worklessness through national back-to-work programmes such as New Deal and Pathways to Work, as well as local initiatives such as Step Closer 2 Work.
	Since 1997 the number of unemployed people in the Liverpool Riverside constituency has fallen by 45 per cent., the number of lone parents claiming benefit has fallen by 28 per cent. and the number of people claiming incapacity benefits has fallen by 17 per cent. Specific information on the level of poverty are not available below regional level.
	However we recognise that there is more to do.
	In August the Jobcentre Plus District for Liverpool Riverside will start a campaign targeting over 2,000 small to medium size employers, encouraging them to work with us in local employment partnerships. This will open up job opportunities for those of our customers who have found it difficult to take advantage of the employment opportunities that exist across the district. Across Liverpool the working neighbourhoods fund is investing over £3 million in 2008-09 and the deprived area fund over £2 million to improve employment opportunities. Jobcentre Plus have also been working with the local authority and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to improve the transition when people move between welfare and work.

Age: Discrimination

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2008,  Official Report, column 2684W, on age: discrimination, whether the research commissioned by her Department on the costs and benefits of eliminating age discrimination in health and social care provision has examined the issues in relation to those under 18 years.

Barbara Follett: The research commissioned by the Department of Health considered age discrimination in relation to adults (aged 18 and over), in keeping with the proposal in the consultation paper A Framework for Fairness that any legislation to ban unfair age discrimination would deal with adults but not with people under 18.

Age: Discrimination

Mike Hancock: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues on proposals for implementing a positive duty on public bodies to promote age equality; and if she will make a statement.

Barbara Follett: Throughout the progression of the Equality Bill I and my officials have been in close contact with colleagues in a number of key departments including the Department of Health, Department of Work and Pensions, the Treasury and others, to discuss among other things the proposals for a single public sector duty. Our proposals for the Bill will be included in the Government's response to the Discrimination Law Review consultation, which will be published shortly.

Consumers: Protection

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality if she will commission research into the incidence of discrimination in the supply of goods and services to children and young people under 18 years of age on the basis of their age; and if she will make a statement.

Barbara Follett: The consultation paper on proposals for the Equality Bill, A Framework for Fairness, signalled that the Government were considering the case for prohibiting age discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services and that they considered any legislation should only apply to those aged 18 and over. Nevertheless, during the consultation process the Government commissioned the Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) to organise an event at which a cross-section of children discussed their own experiences of age discrimination. A report of the event is available on CRAE's website. In addition, a number of consultation responses raised the issue of age discrimination against those aged under 18. The Government will publish their response to the consultation shortly.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  with reference to page 148 of his Department's annual report 2008, what percentage of the  (a) primary care trust allocations and  (b) NHS Trust and FT capital budgets have already been allocated;
	(2)  pursuant to the answer of 15 May 2008,  Official Report, columns 1672-3W, on departmental public expenditure, what capital plans his Department has agreed for 2008-09; how much was allocated for each in 2008-09; and what the indicative allocations are for  (a) 2009-10 and  (b) 2010-11 for each;
	(3)  how much has been set aside in  (a) 2008-09,  (b) 2009-10 and  (c) 2010-11 to cover the costs of the arrangements to fund the local investment plans of (i) primary care trusts, (ii) foundation trusts and (iii) NHS trusts.

Ben Bradshaw: The amounts allowed on page 148 of Departmental Report 2008 for primary care trusts (PCTs) and strategic health authorities (SHAs) capital expenditure and that of national health service trusts and foundation trusts (FTs) are £0.8 billion and £2.7 billion respectively.
	As explained in my answer of 15 May 2008, PCTs and NHS trusts are no longer subject to the formulaic capital allocations of recent years. Under the new capital regimes established for them, capital for investment by PCTs and NHS trusts is allocated in response to plans that they submit at the start of the year, as part of their annual planning process.
	The process for 2008-09 is not yet complete, as had been anticipated in the answer of 15 May 2008. It is however well advanced, with individual NHS trusts and PCTs plans having been checked for accuracy by SHAs and with the position across most SHA patches validated by the Department. The SHAs and Departmental officials are now broadly satisfied with the majority of the plans and should be able to approve them in the next few weeks.
	As capital plans have not yet been approved, none of the capital funding identified for expenditure by PCTs or NHS Trusts in 2008-09 has so far been formally allocated. For the NHS trusts and FTs, however, approaching £1.8 billion of the cash that is spent on capital investment is provided through the cash-funding of depreciation in their revenue income. NHS trusts have had confirmation that they may invest this capital funding, which equates to about 65 per cent. of the £2.7 billion that is stated on page 148 of the Departmental Report 2008 as being available to fund capital investment by NHS trusts and FTs.
	FTs are not subject to capital allocations or required to submit financial plans to the Department in the same way as PCTs and NHS trusts. Under their capital regime, the majority of their investment is funded with cash retained from their operations and any property disposals, and through borrowing from the departmentally operated FT financing facility.
	Included in the £0.8 billion identified in the Departmental Report 2008 for SHAs and PCTs was a total of £0.497 billion for expenditure on PCTs7 own local investment plans in 2008-09, of which £0.097 million was expected to be released through the PCTs' own property disposals. The remaining £0.4 billion of capital resources that was to be provided by the Department had already been notified to PCTs in 'The Operating Framework. For the NHS in England 2008-09', which was published in December 2007. This document also advised that the Department would contribute £0.48 billion towards PCTs' local investment plans in 2009-10 and £0.565 billion in 2010-11. The £0.48 billion and £0.565 billion do not include any anticipated contribution from PCTs' property disposals. Copies of this document are available in the Library
	The £2.7 billion identified in the Departmental Report 2008 for NHS trusts and FTs capital expenditure included £2.165 billion for expenditure on trusts' local capital investment plans, of which £0.159 billion was expected to be released through the trusts' own property disposals. There is no fixed split of the £2.165 billion into a budget for NHS trusts and FTs. This is because the expenditure of each of these sectors will depend on the number of trusts that achieve foundation status in the year.
	The allowances for the local capital investment priorities of PCTs and NHS trusts in 2008-09 may be adjusted as part of the process referred to above of validating and signing off the plans of local NHS Trusts and PCTs.
	Capital budgets to cover the local investment plans of NHS trusts and FTs in 2009-10 and 2010-11 and indicative capital allocations for NHS trusts and PCTs for those years have not yet been agreed or announced.

NHS: Training

Denis Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many applications for income-assessed NHS student bursaries were received in each of the last five years; how many applicants were successful; and how much was paid in such bursaries;
	(2)  how many applications were received for non-income assessed NHS student bursaries in each of the last five years; how many applicants were successful; and how much was paid in such bursaries.

Ann Keen: The number of students for whom the NHS Student Bursaries Unit received and assessed an NHS bursary application form, the number of NHS bursary holders in training and the amount of NHS bursary paid for both income assessed bursaries and non-income assessed bursaries in each of the last five years is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Academic year  Number of students for whom a NHS bursary award assessed  Number of NHS bursary holders in training  Amount of NHS bursary paid (£) 
			 Income assessed bursaries
			 2002-03 27,176 26,594 67,945,615 
			 2003-04 31,044 30,293 79,974,536 
			 2004-05 34,083 33,339 94,014,031 
			 2005-06 37,197 36,272 113,840,537 
			 2006-07 39,657 38,600 126,273,938 
			 
			 Non-income assessed bursaries
			 2002-03 53,103 52,364 279,084,394 
			 2003-04 54,999 54,175 293,778,507 
			 2004-05 55,669 55,239 318,773,305 
			 2005-06 56,001 55,322 334,132,328 
			 2006-07 54,748 53,974 334,731,614 
			  Notes: Number of students for whom a NHS Bursary award assessed is shown rather than number of applications because: 1. Non income assessed award holders do not need to make an application for any other academic year other than the first academic year for their basic bursary entitlement, if the data showed the number of applications received, the number would be approximately one-third of the number of awards assessed which would inflate the figures when comparing with total amount of NHS bursary paid. 2. If an application is received and returned for more information, NHS Student Bursaries do not hold the data on the number received and returned. 3. If an application is received, and rejected on residency eligibility grounds, NHS Student Bursaries receive the application, but do not assess their entitlement as they are rejected before that assessment is made. 4. If an application is received, but NHS Student Bursaries need more information to determine if they are eligible on residency grounds, they have received that application, but do not assess their entitlement information until the student provides the additional information.  Source: National Health Service Business Services Authority Student Bursaries Unit

Wheelchairs

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2008,  Official Report, column 2401W, on wheelchairs, what progress has been made on publishing the outline model for wheelchair services as part of the transforming community equipment and wheelchair services programme.

Ivan Lewis: The data analysis process has now been completed and the detailed business case is currently under consideration. The Transforming Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services Programme is working closely with senior executives in the national health service to agree the most appropriate way forward.

Eco-Towns

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  if her Department will advise on the  (a) permeability and  (b) resilience to floods of materials used for homes in the new eco-towns; and if she will ensure that such materials are used in constructing such houses;
	(2)  what criteria homes in new eco-towns must meet in respect of the adaptation criteria for the Government's climate change objectives.

Caroline Flint: As we have set out in "Eco-towns—Living a greener future", eco-towns should show that they are sustainable under present climatic conditions, but are also resilient to future climate change. This will mean taking account of predicted changes in rainfall and increased temperature in building design and construction, not just for homes but all buildings, including schools, shops and offices. The precise features of climate change adaptation that are required will vary from place to place, but we will make sure that the process of locating and designing eco-towns respects the local circumstances, rather than setting a one size fits all blueprint for what a future eco-town should look like.
	There is also a strong expectation for eco-towns to have all their built-up parts, including housing fully within Flood Zone 1 (the lowest risk). A water cycle study should be completed for the eco-town and related areas, and this includes an assessment of flood risk and surface water drainage.

Travelling People: Caravan Sites

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what restrictions exist on building traveller sites on sites of special scientific interest.

Iain Wright: Circular 1/06 "Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites" makes clear that, in areas with nationally recognised designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, as with any other form of development, planning permission for Gypsy and Traveller sites should only be granted where it can be demonstrated that the objectives of the designation will not be compromised by the development.

Departmental Conferences

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the conferences hosted by his Department in each of the last two years; and what the cost was of each conference.

Edward Miliband: Units within the Cabinet Office use conferences and other types of event as one of a number of ways of engaging with stakeholders to support of a range of Cabinet Office policies and activities.
	The Cabinet Office does not keep a separate central record of these conferences or spend on them. Therefore, this information could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.

Departmental Marketing

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much his Department and its agency spent on branding and marketing activity in 2007-08.

Tom Watson: Cabinet Office's accounts for the 2007-08 financial year are currently being audited so final figures on branding and marketing expenditure are not yet available.

Strategy Unit: Manpower

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many members of the 10 Downing street Strategy Unit are seconded to each Government Department.

Tom Watson: The Strategy Unit is based in the Cabinet Office. The Strategy Unit currently has 23.5 members of staff either on loan to or co-located with other Government Departments: Department for Children, Schools and Families (seven); Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (six); Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (five); Department of Health (2.5); HM Treasury (one); Home Office (one); and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (one).

Foreign Investment in UK

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many foreign direct investment projects facilitated by UK Trade and Investment since its inception have involved takeovers by foreign firms.

Gareth Thomas: Since its inception in 2003, UK trade and investment has had some level of involvement in 108 acquisitions by foreign owned companies.

Departmental Trade Unions

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families which trades unions represent members of staff in  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies.

Kevin Brennan: There are currently three trade unions recognised in my Department and its agencies and who represent members of my staff. They are the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union which has a membership of around 1,240 staff (about 46 per cent.) with the FDA representing around 160 senior staff (about 6 per cent.); and Prospect representing a small number of specialists such as information officers, economists, statisticians and accountants.

Pupils: Females

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many girls aged  (a) 14,  (b) 15,  (c) 16,  (d) 17 and  (e) 18 years attended schools in England in each year since 2003, broken down by (i) ethnicity and (ii) religion.

Jim Knight: The available information is shown in the tables.
	Religion of pupils is not collected centrally. The number of girls aged 14 to 18 by religious character of their school has been provided in the final tables.
	
		
			  Secondary schools( 1, 2, 3) : Number of girls aged 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 by ethnic group—Position in January each year 2003 to 2008 (provisional)—England 
			   2003 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 White 242,900 229,170 75,770 58,520 2,770 
			 White British 236,130 222,940 73,070 56,400 2,550 
			 Irish 1,200 1,100 470 380 30 
			 Traveller of Irish heritage 100 60 20 20 0 
			 Gypsy/ Roma 170 130 20 10 (7)— 
			 Any other White background 5,310 4,930 2,200 1,700 190 
			   
			 Mixed 5,790 5,230 1,630 1,080 90 
			 White and Black Caribbean 2,170 1,920 390 230 30 
			 White and Black African 450 400 130 90 20 
			 White and Asian 1,030 900 420 290 10 
			 Any other Mixed background 2,140 2,010 700 470 30 
			   
			 Asian 17,650 17,160 7,900 6,420 1,160 
			 Indian 6,760 6,840 3,570 3,220 430 
			 Pakistani 6,580 6,220 2,590 1,920 470 
			 Bangladeshi 2,780 2.640 910 680 150 
			 Any other Asian background 1,530 1.460 830 590 110 
			   
			 Black 9,850 9,610 2,890 1,940 520 
			 Black Caribbean 4,530 4,340 1,120 690 130 
			 Black African 4,080 4,100 1,460 1.040 340 
			 Any other Black background 1,240 1,170 310 220 40 
			   
			 Chinese 980 960 580 550 80 
			   
			 Any other ethnic group 2,100 1,920 860 670 110 
			   
			 Classified(4) 279,270 264,050 89,630 69,170 4,720 
			   
			 Unclassified(5) 14,230 14,930 5,450 4,680 360 
			   
			 Minority Ethnic Pupils(6) 43,140 41,110 16,560 12,770 2,170 
			   
			 Total 293,490 278,980 95,080 73,850 5,080 
		
	
	
		
			   2004 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 White 241,840 241,350 79,100 60,950 2,990 
			 White British 234,750 234.610 76,040 58,810 2,770 
			 Irish 1,200 1,150 480 390 20 
			 Traveller of Irish heritage 80 60 10 10 0 
			 Gypsy/ Roma 160 160 20 10 (7)— 
			 Any other White background 5,650 5,360 2.540 1,730 200 
			   
			 Mixed 6,330 5,810 2,040 1,380 130 
			 White and Black Caribbean 2,330 2,150 550 290 30 
			 White and Black African 580 470 190 120 10 
			 White and Asian 1,170 1,070 490 370 30 
			 Any other Mixed background 2,250 2.130 810 600 50 
			   
			 Asian 17,090 17,680 8,290 6,740 1,330 
			 Indian 6,320 6.830 3,810 3,230 520 
			 Pakistani 6,390 6,510 2.600 2,070 530 
			 Bangladeshi 2,710 2,760 960 710 170 
			 Any other Asian background 1.670 1,590 920 730 110 
			   
			 Black 10,480 10,040 3,290 2,330 590 
			 Black Caribbean 4,590 4,450 1,180 820 170 
			 Black African 4,670 4,400 1,740 1,270 380 
			 Any other Black background 1,220 1,200 360 240 40 
			   
			 Chinese 1,090 1,030 590 560 100 
			   
			 Any other ethnic group 2,240 2,110 1,010 730 160 
			   
			 Classified(4) 279,050 278,010 94,310 72,680 5,300 
			   
			 Unclassified(5) 10,380 11,020 4,230 3,490 300 
			   
			 Minority Ethnic Pupils(6) 44,300 43,400 18,270 13,870 2,530 
			   
			 Total 289,430 289,030 98,540 76,170 5,600 
		
	
	
		
			   2005 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 White 245,430 238,310 81,880 63,140 3,300 
			 White British 238,250 231,410 78,690 60,740 3,070 
			 Irish 1,160 1,130 510 390 30 
			 Traveller of Irish heritage 80 70 20 10 0 
			 Gypsy/ Roma 150 160 10 10 (7)— 
			 Any other White background 5,780 5,540 2,660 1,980 200 
			   
			 Mixed 6,720 6,210 2,170 1,610 150 
			 White and Black Caribbean 2.610 2,290 590 400 40 
			 White and Black African 630 610 200 160 20 
			 White and Asian 1,220 1,140 510 400 30 
			 Any other Mixed background 2,260 2,180 860 650 60 
			   
			 Asian 17,760 17,100 8,610 7,000 1,400 
			 Indian 6,430 6,350 3,820 3,380 510 
			 Pakistani 6,530 6,350 2,770 2,060 550 
			 Bangladeshi 2,970 2,670 1,030 760 170 
			 Any other Asian background 1.840 1,730 980 810 170 
			   
			 Black 10,700 10,550 3,430 2,550 650 
			 Black Caribbean 4,480 4,470 1,190 860 180 
			 Black African 5,000 4,950 1,860 1,430 430 
			 Any other Black background 1,220 1,140 390 260 50 
			   
			 Chinese 1,040 1,130 650 570 110 
			   
			 Any other ethnic group 2,410 2,360 1,180 870 190 
			   
			 Classified(4) 284,060 275,670 97,920 75,730 5,790 
			   
			 Unclassified(5) 8,740 9,560 4,110 3,150 310 
			   
			 Minority Ethnic Pupils(6) 45,810 44,260 19,230 14,980 2,720 
			   
			 Total 292,800 285,230 102,030 78,880 6,100 
		
	
	
		
			   2006 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 White 249,520 242,630 82,330 66,050 3,100 
			 White British 242,020 235,360 78,760 63,450 2,840 
			 Irish 1,130 1,120 490 420 30 
			 Traveller of Irish heritage 90 60 10 10 0 
			 Gypsy/ Roma 190 140 20 10 (7)— 
			 Any other White background 6,090 5,950 3,060 2,160 240 
			   
			 Mixed 7,510 6,800 2,400 1,820 160 
			 White and Black Caribbean 2,960 2,610 620 450 40 
			 White and Black African 680 640 230 160 20 
			 White and Asian 1,380 1,240 580 470 40 
			 Any other Mixed background 2,490 2,320 980 740 70 
			   
			 Asian 18,300 17,930 8,680 7,420 1,350 
			 Indian 6,370 6,470 3,740 3,460 520 
			 Pakistani 6,840 6,530 2,790 2,240 490 
			 Bangladeshi 2,880 2,960 990 820 170 
			 Any other Asian background 2,220 1,960 1,170 900 180 
			   
			 Black 11,010 10,920 3,640 2,720 720 
			 Black Caribbean 4,340 4,360 1,200 830 190 
			 Black African 5,440 5,310 2,050 1,600 470 
			 Any other Black background 1,230 1,250 390 290 60 
			   
			 Chinese 1,020 1,080 710 630 100 
			   
			 Any other ethnic group 2,410 2,360 1,160 910 160 
			   
			 Classified(4) 289,760 281,720 98,920 79,530 5,600 
			   
			 Unclassified(5) 6,420 7,160 3,600 2,810 230 
			   
			 Minority Ethnic Pupils(6) 47,740 46,360 20,160 16,080 2,760 
			   
			 Total 296,180 288,880 102,520 82,350 5,830 
		
	
	
		
			   2007 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 White 246,680 246,390 85,310 66,220 3,750 
			 White British 238,740 238,670 81,480 63,330 3,440 
			 Irish 1,080 1,100 510 400 20 
			 Traveller of Irish heritage 80 70 10 10 0 
			 Gypsy/ Roma 250 180 20 10 (7)— 
			 Any other White background 6,520 6,370 3,290 2,470290 — 
			   
			 Mixed 8,060 7,460 2,680 2,000210 — 
			 White and Black Caribbean 3,070 2,870 750 480 50 
			 White and Black African 800 680 250 190 40 
			 White and Asian 1,490 1,400 630 510 30 
			 Any other Mixed background 2,700 2,510 1,050 820 90 
			   
			 Asian 18,860 18,540 9,010 7,500 1,540 
			 Indian 6,400 6,490 3,720 3,370560 — 
			 Pakistani 7,220 6,850 2,800 2,280580 — 
			 Bangladeshi 2,840 2,870 1,170 790 180 
			 Any other Asian background 2,400 2,330 1,310 1,070230 — 
			   
			 Black 11,370 11,210 3,880 2,960760 — 
			 Black Caribbean 4,090 4,270 1,250 920 170 
			 Black African 5,950 5,710 2,210 1,710540 — 
			 Any other Black background 1,330 1,230 420 330 50 
			   
			 Chinese 1,070 1,080 710 690 120 
			   
			 Any other ethnic group 2,600 2,490 1,230 960 210 
			   
			 Classified(4) 288,630 287,170 102,820 80,320 6,590 
			   
			 Unclassified(5) 4,910 5,400 2,900 2,440260 — 
			   
			 Minority Ethnic Pupils(6) 49,890 48,510 21,340 16,990 3,160 
			   
			 Total 293,540 292,570 105,710 82,760 6,850 
		
	
	
		
			   2008 (provisional) 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 White 236,180 243,520 85,850 68,360 4,100 
			 White British 226,940 234,640 81,550 64,970 3,680 
			 Irish 940 1,070 490 420 30 
			 Traveller of Irish heritage 80 60 10 (7)— (7)— 
			 Gypsy/ Roma 290 230 20 10 (7)— 
			 Any other White background 7,930 7,520 3,790 2,960 390 
			   
			 Mixed 8,460 8,010 2,950 2,190 210 
			 White and Black Caribbean 3,210 3,030 840 560 50 
			 White and Black African 840 790 250 200 20 
			 White and Asian 1,570 1,480 700 530 40 
			 Any other Mixed background 2,840 2,710 1,170 910 100 
			   
			 Asian 19,840 19,250 9,580 7,850 1,610 
			 Indian 6,470 6,510 3,910 3,340 530 
			 Pakistani 7,590 7,260 3,040 2,320 610 
			 Bangladeshi 3,020 2,850 1,170 980 180 
			 Any other Asian background 2,760 2,620 1,460 1,210 290 
			   
			 Black 11,910 11,480 4,260 3,190 860 
			 Black Caribbean 4,110 4,000 1,280 980 210 
			 Black African 6,490 6,130 2,540 1,870 580 
			 Any other Black background 1,310 1,350 440 330 80 
			   
			 Chinese 1,060 1,110 680 680 130 
			   
			 Any other ethnic group 2,810 2,650 1,330 1,050 230 
			   
			 Classified(4) 280,260 286,020 104,650 83,320 7,120 
			   
			 Unclassified(5) 4,070 4,230 2,150 1,920 230 
			   
			 Minority Ethnic Pupils(6) 53,320 51,380 23,100 18,350 3,450 
			   
			 Total 284,320 290,250 106,800 85,240 7,350 
			 (1) Excludes dually registered pupils. (2) Includes middle schools as deemed. (3) Includes City technology colleges and academies. (4) Pupils aged 14, 15, 16. 17 and 18 were classified according to ethnic group. Age at start of academic year (31 August). (5) Information refused or not obtained. (6) Includes all pupils classified as belonging to an ethnic group other than White British. (7) Less than five.  Note: Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source. School Census 
		
	
	
		
			  Secondary schools( 1, 2) : Number of girls aged 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 by religious character—Position in January each year 2003 to 2008 (provisional—England 
			   2003 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 No Religious character 249,330 236,690 77,350 59,930 4,130 
			 Church of England 13,050 12,530 5,120 4,080 270 
			 Roman Catholic 28,700 27,500 11,110 8,520 620 
			 Methodist 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Other Christian Faith(3) 1,760 1,630 1,100 970 30 
			 Jewish 540 520 350 320 20 
			 Muslim 50 60 40 30 (4)— 
			 Sikh 30 30 10 10 10 
			 Other 30 30 (4)— 0 0 
			 Total 293,490 278,980 95,080 73,850 5,080 
		
	
	
		
			   2004 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged  16  Girls aged  17  Girls aged 18 
			 No Religious character 245,870 245,460 80,320 61,670 4,600 
			 Church of England 13,220 13,020 5,450 4,250 260 
			 Roman Catholic 27,880 28,060 11,200 8,890 680 
			 Methodist 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Other Christian Faith(3) 1,980 1,990 1,210 1,060 30 
			 Jewish 380 400 320 260 20 
			 Muslim 60 50 40 40 10 
			 Sikh 30 30 20 10 (4)— 
			 Other 20 30 0 0 0 
			 Total 289,430 289,030 98,540 76,170 5,600 
		
	
	
		
			   2005 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged  16  Girls aged  17  Girls aged 18 
			 No Religious character 248,190 241,730 83,080 63,800 4,970 
			 Church of England 13,340 13,310 5,660 4,580 290 
			 Roman Catholic 28,530 27,530 11,610 9,070 750 
			 Methodist 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Other Christian Faith(3) 2,140 2,140 1,280 1,100 60 
			 Jewish 430 410 350 280 10 
			 Muslim 120 60 40 40 10 
			 Sikh 30 30 20 20 (4)— 
			 Other 30 20 (4)— 0 0 
			 Total 292,800 285,230 102,030 78,880 6,100 
		
	
	
		
			   2006 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 No Religious character 250,680 244,180 83,410 66,490 4,770 
			 Church of England 14,090 13,430 5,840 4,780 310 
			 Roman Catholic 28,330 28,190 11,410 9,490 710 
			 Methodist 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Other Christian Faith(3) 2,470 2,420 1,460 1,200 40 
			 Jewish 440 480 350 340 10 
			 Muslim 120 110 30 40 10 
			 Sikh 30 30 20 20 (4)— 
			 Other 20 30 0 0 0 
			 Total 296,180 288,880 102,520 82,350 5,830 
		
	
	
		
			   2007 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 No Religious character 247,440 246,920 86,060 66,880 5,670 
			 Church of England 14,130 14,090 5,860 4,960 350 
			 Roman Catholic 28,320 28,100 11,880 9,300 760 
			 Methodist 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Other Christian Faith(3) 2,890 2,800 1,440 1,270 60 
			 Jewish 490 440 400 310 10 
			 Muslim 200 180 70 30 10 
			 Sikh 60 30 20 20 0 
			 Other 20 20 (4)— 0 0 
			 Total 293,540 292,570 105,710 82,760 6,850 
		
	
	
		
			   2008 (provisional) 
			   Girls aged 14  Girls aged 15  Girls aged 16  Girls aged 17  Girls aged 18 
			 No Religious character 238,700 244,230 86,630 68,990 6,040 
			 Church of England 13,990 13,920 6,010 4,870 370 
			 Roman Catholic 27,380 27,920 11,950 9,610 850 
			 Methodist 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Other Christian Faith(3) 3,380 3,290 1,770 1,370 80 
			 Jewish 480 480 330 340 10 
			 Muslim 340 330 80 60 10 
			 Sikh 30 60 30 20 (4)— 
			 Other 30 20 0 0 0 
			 Total 284,320 290,250 106,800 85,240 7,350 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Excludes dually registered pupils. (3) Includes pupils of mixed denomination or other Christian beliefs. (4) Less than five.  Note: Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: School Census and Edubase

Africa: Abortions

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much he has allocated to tackling unsafe abortions in Africa; and on what projects this funding is being committed.

Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development's (DFID) main allocation to tackling unsafe abortions in Africa is £7.5 million through the 'Safe Abortion Action Fund', administered by the International Planned Parenthood Foundation (IPPF) and Ipas. This investment aims to strengthen regional organisations and networks that advocate for safe abortion; support advocacy and production of policy relevant research; have an impact at country level and regional level on policy change and service delivery; and increase utilisation of quality safe abortion and post-abortion services.
	DFID also provides significant resources via government budgets in Africa to strengthen countries health systems including sexual and reproductive health services (e.g. In 2006-07, £257.6 million to general budget support and £21.2 million direct to government health budgets).
	DFID also supports African countries improve access to sexual and reproductive health services and supplies, and sex education. For example, DFID has committed £100 million over five years to United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) to improve access to family planning and reproductive health supplies. In Ethiopia, DFID had distributed 1.3 million condoms by the end of August 2007. DFID is also funding a £35 million programme with the Population Council called 'transitions to adulthood', which is helping nine developing countries—including South Africa, Uganda and Kenya—to develop better curricula for gender education, including sex education.

Africa: Economic Growth

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the role of higher economic growth rates is in meeting the millennium development goals in Africa; and what recent steps he has taken to support the rate of economic growth in Africa.

Douglas Alexander: Economic growth is essential for the achievement of the millennium development goals (MDGs). MDG 1, by definition, requires growth in the incomes of the poor. Sustainable achievement of the other MDGs requires African countries to generate the resources, through economic growth, to provide schools, hospitals, roads, sanitation and safe drinking water to their people.
	Better infrastructure is a key constraint to faster growth in Africa. The Infrastructure Consortium for Africa is facilitating more effective infrastructure investment and there has been a 20 per cent. increase in investment since 2005. DFID increased its support to the Consortium secretariat in 2007. The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Facility (EAIF), which is supported by DFID, facilitates and leverages private sector financing. As of December 2007 the facility had loan commitments totalling $384.5 million (£192 million) in 15 projects. EAIF projects have led to private sector commitments of more than $4 billion (£2 billion). The government of Rwanda has asked DFID to help it with 'Growth Analytics', to prioritise actions, to help get higher growth rates. This promising work has led other African countries to seek DFID's advice.
	Further examples can be found in DFID's Annual Report, available at
	www.dfid.gov.uk.

Mozambique: Children

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which organisations his Department is working with in Mozambique to provide support for pregnant women and children under five years old.

Douglas Alexander: The Department for International Development (DFID) works closely with the Government of Mozambique to support the health of mothers and children under the age of five. DFID as the focal donor for the health sector in Mozambique co-ordinates the support of 26 agencies (including DFID) who provide funding to the health sector. These partners are the World Bank, World Health Organisation, USAID, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, Global Fund for Aids TB and Malaria (GFATM), the Clinton Foundation, President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), Swiss Development Co-operation, Norway, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Ireland, France, Finland, Flanders, the EC, Denmark, Canada, Spain and Catalunia.
	In addition, DFID provides project support through the Malaria Consortium to support the Government of Mozambique to achieve its target of having 95 per cent. of pregnant women and children under the age of five sleeping under a treated mosquito net in the three northern provinces. The DFID programme runs from 2005 to 2010 with a budget of £8.5 million and is being implemented by Malaria Consortium in five provinces.
	In the Health sector UK development assistance has enabled the Government to meet its 2007 target of an extra 35,000 women giving birth in a clinic, and ensured that 64 per cent. of children under one were fully immunized against five priority vaccine—preventable diseases.

Overseas Aid

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what  (a) criteria are used and  (b) process is followed in determining whether breaches of aid partnership commitments should give use to (i) revocation and (ii) reduction of aid allocations.

Douglas Alexander: The joint DFID, FCO and HM Treasury policy paper "Partnerships for poverty reduction: rethinking conditionality" (2005) states that a successful aid partnership depends on shared commitments to:
	Poverty reduction and achieving the MDGs
	Respecting human rights and other international obligations
	Strengthening financial management and accountability
	The UK will consider reducing or interrupting aid if partner countries breach these commitments. Table 5.2 of DFID's annual report provides details of changes to programmes as a result of a breach of conditions during 2007-08. The report is available through DFID's website:
	www.dfid.gov.uk.
	The UK conditionality policy commits us to agreeing with partner governments in advance a process for considering whether there has been a breach. We aim to have a substantial period of discussion with the partner Government to enable us to explain our concerns and understand their position. We are committed to greater transparency about conditionality by making public our decisions and the evidence on which they are based, as we do in DFID's annual report.

Zambia: Education

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he has taken to improve the provision of free primary education in Zambia since 2000.

Douglas Alexander: DFID has supported the provision of free primary education in Zambia since 2000 through two reform programmes; The Basic Education Sub-Sector Investment Programme (1999-2002) and the Education Sector Strategic Plan (2003-07). The Basic Education Sub Sector Investment Programme together with Zambia's Free Primary Education policy increased enrolment by 10 per cent. and halved the number of children out of school. These programmes were financed by a multi-donor education fund to which DFID contributed £22.1 million.
	Between 2000 and 2006 net enrolment rates in primary grades increased from 71 per cent. to 97 per cent. while primary school completion rates improved from 63 per cent. to 85 per cent. The number of children out of school in Zambia fell from around 600,000 in 1998 to 67,000 in 2005.
	From 1998-2005, DFID also funded a £10 million Primary Reading Programme which resulted in improvements of up to 500 per cent. in literacy performance in grades 1-3 in 2005 and overall improvements in the primary school completion exams at grade 7.

Extradition

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which countries the UK is discussing extradition arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Hillier: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government continue to keep its extradition relations with other states under review. Communications with foreign governments are confidential in order to preserve the confidence of the other state. This includes negotiations on potential extradition treaties.